UK Apostille Service

What Is an Apostille?

An apostille certificate is an official government-issued authentication that confirms the legitimacy of a UK document for use abroad. It confirms that the document's signature, seal, or stamp is genuine, which means it can be accepted abroad without further certification. The apostille is recognised by countries that have signed the Hague Apostille Convention, an international treaty designed to simplify the legalisation of documents for cross-border use.

The apostille is affixed either directly to the original document or to a notarial cover sheet attached. It serves as proof that your document has been verified by the official issuing authority in the UK.

Why You Might Need an Apostille Document

Many situations require your UK documents to be officially recognised overseas. Common scenarios include:

• Education or university applications abroad - Universities often require apostilled diplomas or transcripts to verify your qualifications.

• Immigration or visa processes - Many countries require apostilled birth certificates, marriage certificates, or police checks for visa or residency applications.

• Marriage or civil partnerships abroad - If you plan to marry overseas, authorities may require apostilled documents such as birth or divorce certificates and certificate of no impediment to marriage.

• Opening overseas bank accounts - Banks abroad typically ask for apostilled identification or proof of address documents.

• Business agreements and contracts - International companies need apostilled certificates of incorporation, powers of attorney, or contracts.

The apostille ensures foreign authorities accept your documents without further legalisation, reducing delays and avoiding costly mistakes.

Who Issues Apostilles in the UK?

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) is the only body authorised to issue apostilles in the UK. It is responsible for verifying that the documents you submit are genuine and have been issued by the correct public authority.

The FCDO does not certify photocopies or uncertified translations. Only original documents or certified copies are issued by a public body. They verify the signature, seal, or stamp on your document and attach a certificate that confirms its authenticity for international use.

Our UK Apostille Service

We offer a professional, fully managed apostille service from our head office in Surrey. We handle submissions to the FCDO daily and provide full support throughout the process.

The Documents Our Apostille Service Can Help With

We can legalise a wide range of personal and corporate UK documents, including:

• Personal Documents: Birth, marriage, divorce, and death certificates; academic degrees and diplomas; adoption papers; police certificates or criminal record checks.

• Business Documents: Articles of Association, Certificates of Incorporation, Powers of Attorney, commercial contracts, court documents, certificates of good standing.

If you’re unsure whether your document qualifies for apostille, our team can advise you.

How the Apostille Process Works

The apostille process typically involves these steps:

1. Submit Documents: Please send your original documents securely by post, courier, or hand-deliver them to our office.

2. Document Review: We check your documents for eligibility and confirm if notarisation is needed before submitting.

3. Application to FCDO: We submit your documents to the FCDO for apostille legalisation.

4. Secure Return: Once certified, we return your apostilled documents by DHL Domestic, DHL International, or collection from our office, depending on your preference. 

Please note, delays caused by incorrect addresses or recipients not being available for delivery are outside our control and may affect DHL timelines.

We keep you updated throughout the process, providing clear instructions and helping you avoid common delays, such as missing signatures or invalid documents.

Typical Timelines

Providing your documents are in order and payment is made promptly, we can usually submit your documents the same morning we receive them and despatch them the next working day. The average processing time from receipt to despatch is 2–3 working days.

• Standard Apostille: 2–4 working days

• Express Apostille (same-day): Available for eligible documents

• Embassy legalisation, times vary by country

FCDO and Notary Certification Explained

Some documents, such as affidavits, statutory declarations, or powers of attorney, require prior certification by a notary public before the FCDO can issue an apostille. This certification confirms the authenticity of signatures or the capacity in which the signer has acted.

We will advise you if your documents need this step. For documents intended for use overseas, only a Notary Public’s certification is accepted (solicitor certification is valid only within the UK). While we cannot provide notarial certification directly, we can refer you to trusted notaries local to you.

Why Choose Us

Registered FCDO Provider

Founded in January 2023, our team brings over 30 years of combined experience and understands every step of the apostille and embassy legalisation process as we work directly with the FCDO and major embassies daily.

This guarantees that your documents are handled securely and in line with government standards.

We also provide certified translations, embassy legalisation for non-Hague countries, and international shipping where required.

Fast Turnaround and Reliable Support

From same-day apostille services to urgent embassy submissions, we offer speed without sacrificing security or accuracy.

We provide transparent updates and clear communication, making it easy to track your apostille application. Our customer support team is also available to answer any of your queries before, during and after the apostille process.

Trusted by Individuals and Businesses

We work with individuals legalising personal documents for travel, study, or immigration and businesses preparing legal paperwork for international trade, compliance, or registration. Our experience extends from law firms and universities to HR departments and global companies. Our services and reputation are based on trust, accuracy, and efficiency. The overwhelmingly positive reviews on Trustpilot are testament to our commitment to service.

Apostille for Different Document Types

Personal Documents (e.g. birth certificates, degrees)

Common personal documents that require apostilles include:

• Birth and marriage certificates

• Degree certificates and academic transcripts

• Divorce decrees

• Adoption papers

• Police certificates or background checks

These documents often need apostilles for immigration, overseas study, marriage abroad, or legal matters in foreign countries.

Business Documents (e.g. Articles of Association, Power of Attorney)

For business purposes, we apostille:

• Articles of Association

• Certificates of Incorporation

• Powers of Attorney

• Commercial contracts and agreements

• Court orders or legal statements

If your business deals with overseas clients, suppliers, or regulatory authorities, apostilling your documents ensures they are accepted without additional legal hurdles.

Frequently Asked Apostille Process Questions

How long does it take to get an apostille?

Most apostille requests are processed within 2 to 3 working days by the FCDO after they receive your documents. Including shipping and handling, expect the entire process to take about a week. Expedited services can reduce this time.

Can I get an apostille for any document?

Documents must bear an original registered signature or seal for an apostille to be issued. The FCDO does not issue apostilles to laminated documents or against electronic/copy signatures. Not all government or official signatures are registered with the FCDO; where a signature is not registered, a Notary Public may need to certify the document first.

Do I need Notary certification?

Certain documents, especially affidavits or powers of attorney, require a notary to certify the signature before the FCDO will issue an apostille. We will advise you if you need this step for your documents.

What countries accept apostilles from the UK?

Countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention recognise UK apostilles. Different legalisation processes may be needed for countries outside this convention, such as embassy attestation.

What if I need help with the apostille process?

Our customer support team is available to guide you through the entire process, from document checks to application submission and tracking

Order Your Apostille Today

Start Your Application

Use our secure online form to begin the process. Payment is taken by card over the phone before submission. Complete the form & post your documents

1. We review and confirm your order

2. Documents are legalised and returned securely

Our team will be on hand to guide you through each step and keep you updated on your apostille application.

If you have questions or require advice, contact our team via phone or email. We provide personalised support to make the apostille process clear and straightforward